SonnyPride Ridgebacks

09/10/2024

Etta picked up a lovely Best in Match at ringcraft last week. Guess it was worth going back to training the week before!

29/05/2024

Some lovely pictures of Pippin and Etta (Etta sporting her new scar courtesy of Pippin!), we were at a local spring fair at the weekend. Buzz also made an appearance and picked up some lovely rosettes - Pippin bagged a win in gorgeous eyes while Etta took first place in best condition and ending up reserve reserve best in show. Quite rare to have nice pictures of us together but don't worry, I've cropped myself out mostly!

03/03/2024

I took Etta for a test run at a local open show this morning. We haven't been near a show ring in months so I thought I'd see how she copes in the week before Crufts. The show was in a crowded hall, but my girl was not fazed at all and was her usual happy, fidgety self. She was quite rightly placed 4th out of 5 in her class, and I think she only got that because of her non stop waggy tail. Thanks to judge Nita Webster Kazembe Ridgebacks for keeping a sense of humour with her and congrats to the winners on the day. So my mind is made up - I will not waste my Crufts entry and I will be taking her for our walk of shame on that green carpet. After all she has earned her place by qualifying. Yes we are out of practice, yes, she could do with more training. I know she isn't perfect (as no dog is), but I will be there, with a smile on my face and my tongue firmly in my cheek. I have no idea how it will go, but I do know I will be taking the best dog home, as will every other exhibitor.

Oh, and a word for all the ringside judges and their opinions - we all have them, but every person out there is (or should be) having some fun with their dogs who are part of their family. I would not swap my girl for all the red ribbons in the world. To me, this lark is a hobby, not a sport and not a profession. Lecture over, I will see some of you next week and hopefully will find time for a quick hello.

For any of my non ridgeback dog loving friends who are visiting Crufts over the weekend, you will find me in Hall 5 on the Sunday, together with approximately 250 other ridgebacks! Bring it on!

21/11/2023

For anyone thinking of buying a ridgeback puppy. Check your breeder tests for JME. There is NO EXCUSE for this awful condition to still be present in our dogs now there is testing available.

02/12/2022

We have plans for the summer of 2023 - all being well, Nina and Rossi will reunite for a repeat litter! Rough dates (subject to Nina's co-operation) will be puppies born July and ready for their families in September.
I have some enquiries already, but we all know that we are living in uncertain times and I will only go ahead if I am confident that I can find the best possible homes for all puppies, that's why I am making this post now, so I can make the right decision in plenty of time.
The timing is good for Nina, physically, being a little over 2 years after the Rossina's mk1, so I really hope this can happen. Fingers crossed.
Nothing is ever guaranteed, don't we all know that now! But when I look at how well the pups have grown and how dedicated their families are to them, I would love to have that experience again.

24/08/2022

Today all our thoughts are with Caroline and Harry who are helping their beautiful boy Mack, the Rossina’s grandad, pass on. Mack was diagnosed with cancer and over the past few months has amazed everyone with his resilience, mainly thanks to Caroline’s wonderful holistic approach to his treatment. But his time has come and there will be no miraculous recovery from the hell that is Cancer.
Mack is known to thousands as a superb show dog, he was UK top ridgeback in 2019, I think he was the first liver nose to gain that title. I knew him as a puppy when I showed Sonny and unfortunately for me, he was always in the same class so wherever I ended up in the rosettes, it was always behind Mack.
But I will always think of him as a great ambassador for the breed I love, I was envious that Mack was of such a sound temperament that he could chill out ringside, he may well have a bit of a flirt with the girls to pass the time, always with a good nature and twinkle in his eye. When I found out that Mack was to sire puppies with Binky (Sonny’s litter sister) I just knew the puppies would be wonderful and that’s how Nina came into my life.
Farewell Mack and thank you. Your children carry your blood and you have helped produce stunning babies. You live on in them. Run free and fast over the rainbow bridge beautiful boy.

17/11/2021

Looking forward for Discover Dogs at London Excel this weekend. Nina and Etta will be representing our breed at the Rhodesian Ridgeback stand - our stint is Saturday afternoon so if you’re around, come and say hi! 😊.

08/06/2021